Your Best Mattress For Shoulder Pain

Your best mattress for shoulder pain is an innerspring mattress. Innerspring mattresses provide adequate pushback as you sleep, allowing for proper sinkage and keeping your spine and shoulders aligned as you sleep. Sleeping on the wrong mattress can create pressure points in your shoulder, increasing the severity of your pain.

What causes shoulder pain?

Your shoulder is often referred to as "the most movable joint." Because of this, the possible causes of your shoulder pain vary greatly. Some of the most common include:

• Rotator cuff tendinosis
• Arthritis
• Torn cartilage
• Pinched nerve
• Broken shoulder or arm bone
• Dislocation

How can I treat my shoulder pain?

If you're experiencing shoulder pain, here are a few things recommended to reduce your pain.

• A sling. If your shoulder pain results from some type of injury, first see a doctor to make sure it's nothing serious. Try putting your arm in a sling or shoulder immobilizer, a common treatment for the shoulder and arm injuries, to see if taking weight and strain off your arm helps your shoulder feel better. Again, if this helps, it's very likely you'll need to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. ‍
• Medication. Certain medications, such as ibuprofen, can help bring down any swelling that might be occurring and reduce your overall pain. Your doctor could also choose to put you on corticosteroids or non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This would address any inflammation causing your pain, allowing the area to heal and addressing any issues resulting in inflammation. ‍
• Occupational or physical therapy. In major bone breakage or arthritis, you'll likely be referred to physical or occupational therapy. In the case of injury, this helps rehabilitate your shoulder by regaining lost strength and range of motion. And in the case of arthritis, this helps improve blood flow and muscle agility, leading to increased ability to use your shoulder while also slowing the rate of joint deterioration.

Will a new mattress help with shoulder pain?

Interestingly enough, the number one cause of shoulder pain, rotator cuff tendinosis, is caused by the tendons' inflammation around the shoulder when it's held in one position for too long. Considering the most prolonged period of inactivity you have are the hours you're asleep, there's an excellent chance your shoulder pain is related to sleep. Therefore, the right mattress could reduce or even eliminate your shoulder pain altogether.

What type of mattress should I get for shoulder pain?

The best mattress to address your shoulder pain is an innerspring mattress. These mattresses' coiling structure push against your body weight, reducing sinkage, and providing adequate lumbar support, reducing instances of pain and discomfort. However, having some sinkage is essential. Therefore, firmer mattresses can also result in the misalignment of your spine, contributing to the severity of your daily pain.

Additionally, if you're a side-sleeper with shoulder pain, be wary of firm mattresses! Sleeping on your side with inadequate sinkage (i.e. too flat) can create pressure points in your shoulders, lower back, and pelvis due to your spine's misalignment. In those with shoulder pain, this can severely worsen your daily pain. Your best bet is a medium-firm innerspring mattress to address your discomfort and experience better quality sleep.

The #1 Best Mattress For Shoulder Pain

Saatva is our top pick for the #1 best mattress for Shoulder Pain in 2023! They're a luxury hypoallergenic mattress shipped directly to your door (with full-service white-glove delivery). They have over 50,000 reviews and continue to be one of the most reputable, established brands in the industry (founded in 2009). Check their price, here.